25. Captain BENNasked the Prime Minister what steps the Cabinet are taking to consider the question of employment during the winter months?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAs I informed the hon. Members for Newcastle East and Westhoughton on the 10th July, a Cabinet Committee has the whole question of unemployment during the coming winter under consideration, and is expected to report at an early date. A Cabinet Committee has also been appointed to review the whole position of trade and employment. Meantime steps have been taken to circularise local authorities with a view to the submission of schemes of public work, which might be undertaken during the autumn and winter with Government assistance, should circumstances then appear to justify such schemes being put into operation. In addition it may be mentioned that many of the schemes, for which grants have been sanctioned, will be in operation during the period in question, while the maximum sums which may be guaranteed under the Export Credits and Trade Facilities Acts Schemes have not yet been reached. As regards the provision of relief generally, the hon. and gallant Member will be aware of the Unemployment Insurance Scheme, modifications of which have been made from time to time to meet changes in the situation as far as possible.
Captain BENNIs the Prime Minister satisfied that the Measures which he contemplates will be sufficient to deal with any emergency?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI sincerely hope so. It is a very grave demand on the public purse, but we are doing our best to meet the situation.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the difficult financial position of the local authorities, on whom the chief charge for maintaining the unemployed rests under these schemes?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am fully alive to the grave position of affairs in some areas, but it is not accurate to say that the main burden falls upon the local authorities. It is quite the reverse.
§ Mr. ROYCEWill the right hon. Gentleman cause further consideration to be given to the question of foreshore reclamation on the Wash?
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYAnd on the Humber.
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am speaking from recollection and without notice, but I rather think that there is a sum set aside for the purpose of reclamation under the Government schemes.
§ Mr. ROYCEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that private schemes of foreshore reclamation have been launched, and that there is no doubt about the schemes being perfectly economical and well worthy of consideration?
§ Mr. N. MACLEANAs to unemployment insurance, the House is not expected to reassemble until 14th November, and does not the uncovenanted benefit under the latest Act cease to operate towards the end of October? Have the Government taken that fact into consideration in connection with their schemes to ameliorate the lot of the unemployed?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI would rather not answer without notice a question of that kind, but I will bear in mind what the hon. Member says.
§ Mr. LUNNMay we expect the decision of the Cabinet in the matter before the House rises for the Adjournment?
Mr. J. JONESHas the right hon. Gentleman taken into consideration the fact that a large number of banks are giving notice to local authorities that they cannot permit any further overdrafts?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI know that there are some areas which have been exceedingly hard pressed, and I have no doubt at all that, if they communicate with the Ministry of Health, some arrangements will be made.